South Africa's preparations for the 2025 FIFA World Cup have been severely disrupted after the national football squad was delayed travelling to Mexico due to what the country's national broadcaster SABC described as an "administrative bungle" over visa arrangements.
The South African Football Association (Safa) acknowledged the problem in a brief statement, conceding that the squad had "experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials", though it declined to elaborate on the precise nature of the difficulties. The association added it was "working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match".
Minister demands accountability
South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie was swift and unsparing in his response. Writing on X, McKenzie directed his frustration squarely at the association: "I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess. We are being made to look like fools."
He went further, describing the situation as "embarrassing and grossly unfair" towards the players and coaching staff who have spent months preparing for the tournament. The episode represents a significant reputational blow for Safa at arguably the most important moment in South African football since the country hosted the World Cup in 2010.
What the squad face next
According to South African news outlet TimesLive, efforts were under way to secure United States visas to allow the squad to depart either later on Sunday or on Monday. The US transit permission is required not only for logistical reasons but because South Africa's second group-stage fixture will be played in Atlanta against the Czech Republic.
Before that, Bafana Bafana are scheduled to face Jamaica in a warm-up friendly in Mexico on Friday — their final opportunity to sharpen up ahead of the tournament's opening match. That first game arrives on 11 June, when they face co-hosts Mexico, a fixture that carries enormous symbolic and competitive weight.
Form a concern heading into the tournament
The off-field chaos compounds what has already been a difficult period on the pitch. South Africa's final home friendly on Friday ended in a goalless draw against Nicaragua — a result that reportedly included a missed penalty and extended their winless run to four matches. Several reports characterised the performance as "disappointing" ahead of a tournament in which South Africa are one of ten African nations competing in the expanded 48-team field.
For a squad returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010, the build-up could scarcely have gone worse. The hope inside the camp will be that once the travelling and administrative headaches are resolved, focus can return entirely to the football — and to the significant challenge of opening a World Cup against a host nation with Mexico's pedigree and home support.
Safa will have considerable explaining to do once the dust settles. For now, all attention turns to getting the squad on a plane.
Frequently asked
- Why has South Africa's World Cup squad been delayed travelling to Mexico?
- South Africa's football association (Safa) confirmed the squad experienced visa difficulties that delayed their departure. South Africa's sports minister described it as an embarrassing administrative bungle and demanded a full report from Safa.
- When do South Africa play their first World Cup match in 2025?
- South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, face co-hosts Mexico on 11 June in their opening World Cup group match. Before that, they are due to play a warm-up friendly against Jamaica in Mexico.
- What is South Africa's recent form going into the World Cup?
- Bafana Bafana have not won in four matches heading into the tournament. Their final home friendly ended 0-0 against Nicaragua, a result that included a missed penalty and was widely described as a disappointing display.